Marjoram extract down-regulates the expression of Pasteurella multocida adhesion, colonization and toxin genes: A

Marwa I Abd El-Hamid1, M E El-Sayed2, Aisha R Ali3

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

Insights

Marjoram and cinnamon extracts show potent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant *Pasteurella multocida*. Marjoram extract also inhibits key virulence genes, offering a potential alternative therapy for pasteurellosis in farm animals.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Emergence of virulent and antibiotic-resistant microbes necessitates alternative therapies.
  • Herbal antimicrobials are gaining attention as potential treatments.
  • Focus on *Pasteurella multocida* (P. multocida) as a significant pathogen in rabbits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro antibacterial activities of five herbal oil extracts against multidrug-resistant (MDR) *P. multocida*.
  • To evaluate the synergistic effects of these extracts with antibiotics.
  • To assess the impact of marjoram extract on *P. multocida* virulence gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro screening of marjoram, garlic, onion, cinnamon, and black seed oil extracts against 16 MDR *P. multocida* isolates.
  • Experimental pathogenicity confirmation and PCR analysis of virulence genes (ptfA, pfhA, omp87, nanB, toxA).
  • Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze virulence gene expression changes in response to marjoram extract.

Main Results:

  • Marjoram and cinnamon extracts exhibited the highest antibacterial activity and synergism with antibiotics against *P. multocida*.
  • 12 out of 16 isolates were highly pathogenic, possessing all tested virulence genes.
  • Marjoram extract demonstrated a novel inhibitory effect on *P. multocida* virulence gene expression, with less than a five-fold reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Marjoram and cinnamon extracts show significant potential as natural antimicrobials against MDR *P. multocida*.
  • Marjoram extract possesses a molecular inhibitory activity against *P. multocida* virulence genes.
  • This study provides a proof of concept for using marjoram as an alternative treatment for pasteurellosis in farm animals.

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